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joareads 's review for:
Iron & Embers
by Helen Scheuerer
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An alchemist-turned-assassin, Wren Embervale, is pulled from her days of seeking vengeance into a prestigious alchemy academy where she has finally been accepted, after desperately wanting to join it for so long. She must study diligently in order to pass a series of trials in the Gauntlet where, if she passes, she will become an adept. But with a threat on her life looming close, she is assigned a bodyguard, Torj Elderbrock, whom she shares a rocky history with and with six months of close proximity awaiting them, their relationship is undoubtedly going to change.
I thought this book was written really well and the world-building is fantastic. I loved the alchemical and studious atmosphere and the ancient academy with its wild lessons were fascinating to read about. It had such an absorbing setting and mood, it made for a story that was easy to fall into and lose yourself in. I was enchanted by the different plants Wren discovers and described as well as the poisons she creates and their antidotes. The descriptions really helped draw me into this world with its almost mystical feel.
The two main characters of the story are brilliant, though Torj was clearly very inspired by Thor which was so obvious it was a little pedestrian. I'm so glad he wasn't an overbearing, controlling male character and actually treats Wren like a human being though. He sometimes struggles with his role as bodyguard becoming too much for them both since he has been assigned to protect her, but he respects her and encourages her in her pursuit to becoming an adept at the academy. He worries for her but refrains from being rash and getting in her way and dashing her chances at the academy (though I did appreciate the scene where he reacts to her injuries and says the classic: 'who did this to you?') which was great to see.
Wren is fabulous and not only is she industrious and has a wealth of knowledge already, but she's also fierce, understands her limitations and is keen to improve. She strives to be the best she can be and is absolutely dedicated and driven in her studies. I found this quite refreshing because so many fantasy and romantasy novels have a physically strong female character who can physically fight well; in this story, while Wren has been in a war and fought, hers is a more intellectual strength and she uses the weapon of her mind expertly by creating a name for herself as she is dubbed the Poisoner.
The history between the two main characters is quite interesting and I loved their dynamic and how it changes throughout the book. It's not enemies-to-lovers, but more of a strained rivalry and bitterness that has an undercurrent of longing and desire which blooms into something wonderful. There's a sense of duty which holds Torj back at first but the two are inevitable and come together in a clash of unspoken ache and wanting. I enjoyed the romance but I have to say, the frequent mentioning of how the one physically reacts to the other in the beginning was exasperating and I did roll my eyes a few times. I wish we had almost had more longing and angst between the two - it felt like they were soon working together from the beginning and it swiftly accelerated towards the end. I would have liked it to have maybe taken on a slower pace to savour it more as they learned the extent of their feelings towards the other and accepted it.
The plot is good, more of a scene setter in this first book as Wren studies at the academy and her relationship with Torj evolves, while in the background something is brewing. The story ends with a battle and a villain is introduced, as well as a shocking decision that will have some severe consequences.
It was magical and almost cosy at times yet having some dark and dramatic moments. It was enjoyable to read and it's a great start to a new series - I can't wait to see where it goes next!